Disease overview

Squamous cell carcinoma of the digit is a localized, aggressive cancer that is characterized by bone lesions in multiple toes. In Standard Poodles, there appears to be an increased risk of this cancer in dark-colored poodles associated with the KITLG pigment intensity gene.

Gene name

KITLG

Inheritance

Multifactorial

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs include lameness, digital swelling, breaking of the toenail, pain, excessive licking, and bleeding from the affected digit.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. A veterinarian will take a look at history as well as clinical signs to help diagnose this condition. Radiographs of the affected digits will show lysis of the bone. Lymph node biopsies will be taken to determine if the cancer has spread. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Karyadi DM, Karlins E, Decker B, vonHoldt BM, Carpintero-Ramirez G, Parker HG, Wayne RK, Ostrander EA. A copy number variant at the KITLG locus likely confers risk for canine squamous cell carcinoma of the digit. PLoS Genet. 2013 Mar;9(3):e1003409. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003409. Epub 2013 Mar 28. PMID: 23555311; PMCID: PMC3610924. .

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.